Detroit’s Democratic Mayor Begs Republican Governor for Help

With Detroit projected to run out of money in May, Mayor Dave Bing is calling on Michigan's governor to give the city a loan rather than appoint a financial overseer who would have broad power to cut costs and break union contracts.

Mr. Bing, a Democrat who intends to run for a second term next year, said he wants Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to lend Detroit $125 million to $150 million to help the long-struggling city stay solvent over the next 12 months. If Mr. Snyder declines, Mr. Bing would request that the state back Detroit's efforts to secure financing elsewhere.

Detroit is seen as the biggest test of an unusual 2011 Michigan law that allows the state to take control of a troubled city or school district. So far, the state has taken over four cities and two school districts.

Supporters see the law as the last hope for a nearly insolvent government body, while opponents decry the fact that an unelected financial manager can impose measures they regard as draconian and undemocratic.

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It has been a tough road for the former National Basketball Association star turned business executive. Mr. Bing won the mayor's office almost three years ago on a promise to clean up city government and consolidate services to meet Detroit's shrinking population, which has fallen 25% in the last decade to 713,000 people.

New labor agreements that could save the city $100 million have yet to be ratified by unionized workers.